Be one of the first oenophiles to swirl and sip Balistreri Vineyards’ new wine releases today at the winery’s eighth annual Balistreri Harvest Party, a tribute to the fruit of the vine that benefits CASA of Adams and Broomfield counties. “We’re releasing more than twenty new wines to taste from last year’s harvest,” says owner Julie Balistreri. “And since we’re an Italian family, we’re doing a ton of great food, too, including wood-fired pizzas, pig roasts, antipasti with cheeses, salami and roasted peppers, and desserts like Italian cookies.” The event, which attracts nearly 1,000 grape gurus each year, also features live music and a children’s grape-stomping contest, the juice from which will eventually be turned into bottles of Little Feet merlot and sold for pre-sale at today’s bash.

Admission to the party, which begins at noon, is $55 in advance or $60 at the door and includes a commemorative wine glass and wine and food samples; children twelve and under get in free. Wines by the glass, bottle and case will also be available for purchase. For more info, or to snag tickets, call 303-287-5156 or visit www.balistrerivineyards.com. Balistreri Vineyards is located at 1946 East 66th Avenue; parking is available just west of the winery.
Sun., Oct. 3, noon, 2010